Tyson: Boxer Without A License

Revocation, Parole Limit His Options

July 10, 1997|By MICHAEL MAYO Staff Writer

The bite that tore a chunk from Evander Holyfield's right ear on June 28 will cost Mike Tyson $3 million and a piece, perhaps the rest, of his boxing career.

Eleven days after Tyson was disqualified for twice biting Holyfield on the ears in their World Boxing Association heavyweight title fight in Las Vegas, the Nevada State Athletic Commission responded on Wednesday with a decisive one-two punch, the stiffest penalties allowed by law.

Tyson, 31, had his boxing license revoked and was fined the maximum 10 percent of his $30 million purse. The revocation, to be honored by all domestic boxing commissions, will last at least one year and is subject to annual review.

``We did what we had to do,'' said Elias Ghanem, commission chairman. During Wednesday's hearing, which lasted less than an hour, Ghanem said, ``We must take the most stringent action available to us.''

The five-man commission voted unanimously for revocation. Had the commission decided on a fixed-length suspension, the fine would have been limited to $250,000.

Tyson may reapply for a license next July, although the commission is under no obligation to grant him one again.

``The decision is almost biblical, Solomon-like, in its beauty,'' said Ferdie Pacheco of Miami, a boxing analyst who worked Showtime's fight broadcast. ``We have a scenario where Tyson is out for life unless he shows the proper penitence and straightens his life out.''

Tyson's bite translates into the second blight on his career and his second hiatus this decade. After a rape conviction in 1992, Tyson served three years in an Indiana prison. The former undisputed heavyweight champion returned to the ring in August 1995, eventually reclaiming the WBA title before losing to Holyfield last November. That was only his second loss after 45 wins, 39 by knockout.

Tyson, who rose from a ghetto childhood of violence, crime and poverty in Brooklyn to become the youngest heavyweight champion at 20, is effectively banned from fighting in the United States. Under new federal law, all state boxing commissions must honor Nevada's revocation.

Tyson may fight overseas, but doing so would risk the wrath of the Nevada commission. It would also jeopardize his freedom. Under terms of his Indiana parole, which lasts through 1999, Tyson needs permission to travel abroad. It is doubtful he would get it to circumvent the ban.

Tyson, who said in a public apology on June 30 that he would not contest the decision, did not appear at the hearing. He flew from New York to his mansion outside Cleveland on Wednesday. His attorneys, Oscar Goodman and Marty Keach, betrayed his wishes by objecting to the hearing and motioning for dismissal.

The motion was denied.

Promoter Don King, whose main offices are in Deerfield Beach, also did not appear. He has not commented publicly since the fight night.

Rival promoter Bob Arum said: ``[The commission) sent out a clear message. People wanted [Tyson) banished. They were disgusted and repulsed by what he did. The guy is a joke and deserves what he gets.''

Angelo Dundee, former trainer for Muhammad Ali and George Foreman, said, ``The punishment fit the crime. Tyson was out of his mind. He needs help. What kind of role model is that for young boxers coming up?''

Holyfield was traveling in South Africa on Wednesday and did not comment on the ruling. He has left open the possibility of fighting Tyson a third time. Holyfield was represented at the hearing by his attorney, Jim Thomas.

``[Holyfield) has forgiven Mike Tyson and he hopes that Mike gets the help he needs and finds inner peace . . . so that something like this will never happen again,'' Thomas testified. ``It is incumbent upon this commission to make a strong and clear statement to the world that this is a true, legitimate and honorable sport, and that certain acts are simply and absolutely unacceptable and will be met with appropriate sanctions.''